Council on look-out for new pop-up tour operators

21 January, 2014

Council on look-out for new pop-up tour operators
Brisbane City Council is on the look-out for new businesses to help show off the city, opening expressions of interest (EOI) for South Bank and Roma Street Parklands pop-up tour operators.

Environment, Parks and Sustainability Chair Cr Matthew Bourke said operators might include conventional bike tours, electric bike tours, personal mobility devices such as Segways, water-based tours and pedal-operated cabs, but Council was open to all innovative suggestions.

“South Bank and Roma Street Parklands are two of the city’s most popular outdoor destinations and through this initiative we are looking to boost tourism activities in these centres,” Cr Bourke said.

“This initiative will provide an opportunity for small scale operators to base their innovative business ideas within a high traffic location and without the need for a permanent space.

“Ideally the types of operators we want to focus on are ones offering guided tours showcasing Brisbane and its riverside setting to give visitors a unique and exciting experience.”

The term pop-up means businesses will have non-permanent structures to operate from where they would have to set up and pack down on a daily basis.

Cr Bourke said the decision to open the EOI followed enquiries from businesses wanting to operate from the parklands.

“There is limited spaced with this type of tourist exposure available,” he said.

“These businesses are geared toward promoting Brisbane, which is why we want to foster these relationships and allow them to share their passion for our city.”

He said it was hoped the first of the tour operators would be operational by mid-March in time for the Easter Holidays.

It is proposed that up to four pop-up tour premises will be permitted at South Bank Parklands while two will be permitted at Roma Street Parklands.

The EOI is open until 31 January and for an initial three-month trial. If successful, operators will be provided with licenses to operate for up to three years.